I’ve heard it said that you can tell a lot about a person by the books they read.  That’s probably pretty true.  So, in an effort to let you know a bit more about me, here’s my reading list for 2011.  Just like the music I listen to, my tastes are all over the map.  There are some books on business, history, politics, investing, and even just a few “fun” reads.  I’ve also included a brief comment on each one.  Who knows?  You might find something in the list that you would enjoy.

Who’s Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships that Create Success—and Who Won’t Let You Fail—By Keith Ferrazzi.  The title itself is more than a mouthful.  The book discusses how the key to success in work and in life is to create an inner circle of “lifeline relationships.”  We all could use more deep, close relationships with trusted people who will provide us with encouragement, feedback, and support, and who aren't afraid to tell us when we're on the wrong track.

Wise Investing Made Simple: Larry Swedroe’s Tales to Enrich Your Future—by  Larry Swedroe.  I follow many of the same investing principles that Larry does…passive investing, diversification, controlling risk, etc.  I even had dinner with him several years ago in Atlanta when we hosted an investment meeting together.  He uses short and simple stories to explain how to invest sensibly for the long run.  Don’t pay attention to economic forecasts, Wall Street recommendations or CNBC gurus.  Diversify your portfolio, rebalance when necessary, and stick with your plan.  Highly recommended!

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything—by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.  One of my favorite books this year!  It’s not really about economics in the traditional sense.  Instead, the authors look at different parts of everyday life and, by analyzing data, draw some very interesting, and entertaining conclusions.  I’ll give you just one as an example…in what might be viewed as a controversial analysis, the authors trace the drop in violent crime rates to a drop in violent criminals, which they attribute to the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 by the Supreme Court.

Empire of Ancient Rome—by Michael Burgan.  I love history and the Roman Empire is the starting place for so many of the ideas and institutions we now have in the Western world.  The book was ok, not great.

Go-Givers Sell More—by Bob Burg and John David Mann.  This is a short and easy read that uses a story to explain that the way to success in business is by cultivating a trusting relationship and create value for all involved.

Underwater Home: What Should You Do if You Owe More on Your Home than It’s Worth?—by Brent White.   Unfortunately, in today’s economic environment, more and more people are finding themselves in this situation.  I read it because I was starting to get questions in my role as a financial planner.  The author discusses the emotional and practical realities of the situation.

The Tea Party Goes to Washington—by Rand Paul.  As we all know, we’re gearing up for a big election next year.  To familiarize myself with the candidates, I’m trying to read as much as I can about each.  I know this one is by Rand Paul, not Ron Paul, but the father and son share philosophies.  I agree with many of their ideas and think we need some big changes in our political system.

Poke The Box—by Seth Godin.  The author has had several best-sellers, so I thought I would try this one.  The theme is that it is better in today’s world to stand out than to conform; that most people aren’t successful because they don’t “start stuff.”  Good ideas, although I didn’t get much new out of it and was a bit disappointed.

The Heart and The Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL—by Eric Greitens.  I saw this former SEAL speak at a conference, the week after the SEALs got Osama bin Laden.  Needless to say, his story drew a lot of interest.  The book is an autobiography of the lessons he learned traveling the world, first as a humanitarian, then as a Navy SEAL.  It is another one of my favorites for the year.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen—by Christopher McDougall.  As a runner struggling with a knee injury all year, I wanted to find out more about the Tarahumara Indians from Mexico, who run hundreds of miles without rest or injury.  Well done and very inspirational.  We all are…born to run.

Ok, there are the first 10 of the year.  I completed 31, so I’ll have to break this list into bite-sized pieces.  I hope you find something you might like, or find out something about me you didn’t know.  I’ll post books 11-20 next week. 

Happy New Year!